Livery welcomes Freeman Harvey Waller

The Company is proud to have gained a new Freeman, Harvey Waller, an experienced and enthusiastic carriage driver. Harvey is a US citizen living in Massachusetts, where he owns several rare and exceptional carriages which he exhibits frequently.

Harvey was in the UK this month, and the company was able to circulate his application to the Court, and then form a quorum Court on 6th March to swear Harvey as a Freeman. The swearing took place in the Court Room at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall (pictured), afterwards, lunch was taken at the Guildhall Club with the Master, Renter Warden, IPM, and the Clerk. Later in the afternoon Renter Warden Mark Broadbent, who sponsored Harvey, arranged a private visit to the Royal Mews.

Harvey is a Past President of the Carriage Association of America, also a member of the Coaching Club of America as is the Renter Warden. Similarly, Harvey is also a member of the English Coaching Club with Mark, hence his frequent visits to the UK.

Among Harvey’s carriage collection is the rare ‘Old Times’ Road Coach, which was built for the London to Brighton run as a passenger service.

Famously in 1888 the driver and operator James Selby struck a wager that the round-trip could not be done inside eight hours. Mr Selby took on the challenge for a 1,000 Guinea bet which he collected when he beat the deadline by just 10 minutes! A plaque commemorating this feat is displayed inside the coach.

We look forward to helping Harvey with his freedom of the City of London, and subsequent clothing in the Livery during future visits.